Cargo control system adaptor

ABSTRACT

An adaptor for cargo control systems is provided that can adjust to accommodate length, width, and height variances between parallel tracks in a cargo control system. The adaptor includes a crossbar, first and second length and height adjusting mechanisms, and first and second width adjusting mechanisms. The first and second length and height adjusting mechanisms are affixed to first and second ends of the crossbar, and the first and second width adjusting mechanisms are affixed to the crossbar along the length of the crossbar.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and incorporates by reference U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/230,013 filed Jul. 30, 2009 titled“Cargo Control System Adaptor.”

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to cargo control systems. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to adaptors used inconnection with cargo control systems.

BACKGROUND

Cargo control systems known to those of skill in the art can employE-track, A-track, or O-track systems. In known systems, for example, anE-track system, E-tracks can be secured to the floor and/or wall of atrailer, truck, or other transportation device. The tracks can besecured to the floor or wall with bolts, screws, or other fasteningmechanisms known by those of skill in the art.

Cargo, equipment, and other devices, such as wheel chocks, can besecured to the tracks of a cargo control system with tie down hardwareand straps known to those of skill in the art. When secured to thetracks, the cargo is constrained in horizontal, vertical, lateral, andradial directions and remains stable during transit.

Known cargo control systems, such as an E-track system, can includesegmented tracks, which are extended pieces of material having a lengthand a width. A first set of segmented tracks is secured to a trailer ortruck, end to end, in a vertical direction along the length of thetrailer to forma first track. A second set of segmented tracks issecured, end to end, along the length of the trailer to form a secondtrack that is parallel to the first track. The tracks in a cargo controlsystem can be made of steel, iron, aluminum or other materials as wouldbe known by those of skill in the art.

A plurality of slots can be disposed in each segmented track along thelength of the track. The slots can be any shape and size known to thoseof skill in the art. For example, in E-tracks, the slots are typicallyrectangular and can be situated either vertically or horizontallyrelative to the track. In A-track systems, the slots are typicallycircular slots connected by rectangular slots.

To secure cargo or other equipment to the tracks of a cargo controlsystem, a user can engage tie down hardware known to those of skill. Tiedown hardware can be associated with first and second ends of the cargoto secure the first and second ends of the cargo to first and secondslots, respectively, in the tracks of the cargo control system. Thefirst and second slots can be on the same track or parallel tracks,depending on the cargo being secured.

When cargo control systems are used in manner described above, users canexperience difficulty because the length, width and height of the cargodo not always precisely align, with the tracks of the system and theslots disposed therein. Accordingly, there is a need for an adaptor thatcan adjust for the variances between tracks used in a cargo controlsystem. Preferably, such an adaptor adjusts for length, width, andheight variances between parallel tracks in a cargo control system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adaptor in accordance with thepresent invention secured to parallel tracks of an E-track cargo controlsystem;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a length and height adjusting mechanismof an adaptor in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a length and height adjusting mechanism ofthe adaptor shown in FIG. 1 secured to an E-track cargo control system;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a width adjusting mechanism of the adaptorshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first wheel chock secured to theadaptor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second wheel chock secured to theadaptor of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a length and height adjusting mechanism ofan adaptor in accordance with the present invention secured to anA-track cargo control system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible of an embodiment in many differentforms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein indetail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that thepresent disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of theprinciples of the invention. It is not intended to limit the inventionto the specific illustrated embodiments.

Embodiments of the present invention include an adaptor that can adjustfor the variances between parallel tracks used in a cargo controlsystem. Preferably, an adaptor in accordance with the present inventioncan adjust to accommodate length, width, and height variances betweenparallel tracks in a cargo control system.

Specifically, the adaptor shown and described herein can be adjustablewidth-wise to accommodate variances in the spacing between tracks of acargo control system and to accommodate variances in mounting points ofequipment secured to the adaptor. The adaptor shown and described hereincan also be adjustable length-wise to accommodate variances in thespacing between slots along the length of parallel tracks of a cargocontrol system. Further, the adaptor shown and described herein can beadjustable height-wise to accommodate variances in the height of tracksof a cargo control system relative to the floors on walls on which theyare mounted.

It is to be understood that the adaptor shown and described herein canbe used in connection with all types of cargo control systems, includingE-track systems, A-track systems, and O-track systems. However, theadaptor shown and described herein is not limited to tracks used inthese types of cargo control systems. Rather, the adaptor shown anddescribed herein can be used in connection with systems using alldifferent types of tracks.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adaptor 10 in accordance with thepresent invention secured to first and second parallel tracks 100 and100′ of a cargo control system. As seen in FIG. 1, the tracks 100 and100′ are E-tracks.

The adaptor 10 can include a crossbar 12, first and second length andheight adjusting mechanisms 14 and 16, and first, second and third widthadjusting mechanisms 18, 20, and 22. The adaptor. 10 and all elementsthereof can be made from steel, iron, aluminum, plastic, a combinationof these materials, or any other materials as would be known by those ofskill in the art.

The crossbar 12 can include first and second slidably engaging tubularcrossbars 24 and 26. The crossbar 12, including the first and secondcrossbars 24 and 26, can have a length and width and top, bottom, frontand back sides. A cross-section of the crossbar 12, including the firstand second crossbars 24 and 26, can be rectangular, square, round,ovular, or any other shape as would be known by those of ordinary skillin the art. In embodiments, the cross-section of the first crossbar 24can be smaller than the cross section of the second crossbar 26 so thatthe first crossbar 24 can slide and fit into the second crossbar 26.

The crossbar 12, including the first and second crossbars 24 and 26, canaid in adjusting the adaptor 10 for width variances between the tracks100 and 100′ of the cargo control system. That is, the width of theadaptor 10 can be adjusted so that the adaptor 10 can be used withdifferent cargo control systems having parallel tracks spaced apart atdifferent distances.

For example, the first crossbar 24 can slide into the cross-section ofthe second crossbar 26 so that the width of the adaptor 10 can beadjusted for securing to the first and second parallel tracks 100 and100′. The width of the adaptor 10 can be adjusted by adjusting thelength of the crossbar 12. That is, the length of the crossbar 12 can beadjusted by sliding the first crossbar 24 into the second crossbar 26until the desired length of the crossbar 12 is achieved.

Width adjusting mechanisms 18, 20, and 22 can also aid in adjusting theadaptor 10 for width variances between the tracks 100 and 100′ of thecargo control system. That is, width adjusting mechanisms 18, 20, and 22can be adjusted relative to each other and to the crossbar 12 to providedifferent and varying points along the crossbar 12 at which cargo, wheelchocks, or other equipment can be secured thereto.

For example, first, second, and third width adjusting mechanisms 18, 20,and 22, can be placed along the length of the crossbar 12. Each widthadjusting mechanism 18, 20, and 22 can have a tubular first part 18′,20′, and 22′ that extends around the circumference of the crossbar 12and a horizontal second part 18″, 20″, and 22″ that extends below andperpendicular to the bottom side of the crossbar 12. In someembodiments, the horizontal second parts 18″, 20″ and 22″ can sit on thefloor or wall of the truck or trailer to which the tracks 100 and 100′are mounted.

As seen in FIG. 1, a first width adjusting mechanism 18 can be placedalong the length of the crossbar 12 so that the first part 18′ extendsaround the circumference of the first slidably engaging crossbar 24. Thesecond and third width adjusting mechanisms 20 and 22 can be placedalong the length of the crossbar 12 so that the first parts 20′ and 22′extend around the circumference of the second slidably engaging crossbar26.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the adaptor 10 can includeonly two width adjusting mechanisms. For example, as seen in FIG. 5, thefirst (not shown) and second width adjusting mechanism 18 and 20 can beplaced along the length of the crossbar 12 so that both of the tubularfirst parts 18′ and 20′ extend around the circumference of the secondslidably engaging crossbar 26. As seen in FIG. 6, the first widthadjusting mechanism 18 can be placed along the length of the crossbar 12so that the tubular first part 18′ extends around the circumference ofthe first slidably engaging crossbar 24. The second width adjustingmechanism 20 can be placed along the length of the crossbar 12 so thatthe tubular first part 20′ extends around the circumference of thesecond slidably engaging crossbar 26.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the crossbar 12, including one or both of thecrossbars 24 and 26, can include a plurality of holes 13 disposed in thetop side thereof. Similarly, the tubular first part of the widthadjusting mechanisms can include a corresponding hole 13′ disposed inthe top side thereof. For example, as seen in FIG. 3, the tubular firstpart 20′ of the second width adjusting mechanism can include a hole 13′disposed in the top side thereof.

A spring loaded screw 19 or other affixing mechanism known to those ofskill in the art can extend through the holes 13 and 13′ disposed in thetop sides of the crossbar 12 and width adjusting mechanism 20. A usercan pull on the screw 19 to load the spring associated with the screw 19and disengage the screw 19 from the holes 13 and 13′ in the crossbar 12and width adjusting mechanism 20. Once the screw 19 is disengaged fromthe holes 13 and 13′, the width adjusting mechanism 20 can slide alongthe length of the crossbar 12. A user can place the width adjustingmechanism 20 at the desired position along the length of the crossbar 12by releasing the screw 19 so that the spring associated with the screw19 is unloaded and the screw 19 engages the holes 13 and 13′ in thewidth adjusting mechanism 20 and the crossbar 12. The screw 19 canextend through the holes 13 and 13′ in both the width adjustingmechanism 20 and the crossbar 12 to hold the width adjusting mechanism20 in place along the length of the crossbar 12.

In embodiments of the present invention in which the adaptor 10 includesfirst, second, and third width adjusting mechanisms 18, 20, and 22, anyor all of the width adjusting mechanisms can move along the length ofthe crossbar 12 in the same manner described above and be secured inplace along the length of the crossbar 12 in the same manner asdescribed above.

In embodiments having either two or three width adjusting mechanisms, atleast one of the width adjusting mechanisms, for example, the firstwidth adjusting mechanism 18 can be fixedly secured to the crossbar 12so that the first width adjusting mechanism 18 does not move along thelength of the crossbar 12. Specifically, the first width adjustingmechanism 18 can be fixedly secured to the first slidably engagingcrossbar 24.

The adjustability of at least one of the width adjusting mechanismsrelative to the other width adjusting mechanisms and to the crossbar 12provides the adaptor 10 with different points along its length at whichcargo or other equipment can be secured thereto. For example, FIG. 5shows a first wheel chock 110 secured to the second and third widthadjusting mechanisms 20 and 22 of the adaptor 10 along a central portionof the crossbar 12. Alternatively, FIG. 6 shows a second wheel chock 120secured to the first and third width adjusting mechanisms 18 and 22 ofthe adaptor 10 at opposing ends of the crossbar 12. Depending on thewidth of the wheel chock 110 or 120 used in connection with the adaptor10 and the points at which the wheel chock 110 or 120 can attach to theadaptor 10, the width adjusting mechanisms 18, 20, and 22 can be placedat desired positions along the length of the crossbar 12. Thus, theadaptor 10 and the width adjusting mechanisms 18, 20, and 22 canaccommodate a wide variety and sizes of wheel chocks or other cargo.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the horizontal second part of any of the widthadjusting mechanisms, for example, the horizontal second part 20″ of thewidth adjusting mechanism 20, can extend below and perpendicular to thebottom side of the crossbar 12 and include a plurality of holes 21disposed therein. A wheel chock or other cargo can be secured to theadaptor 10 by aligning a hole in the mounting bar of the wheel chock 110or 120 with a hole 21 in the width adjusting mechanism 20 and extendinga bolt, screw, or other fastening mechanism through each hole. Theplurality of holes 21 in the horizontal second part 20″ of the widthadjusting mechanism 20 can provide for adjustability depending on thethickness of the wheel chock mounting bar.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a length and height adjusting mechanism14 or 16 of the adaptor 10, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the lengthand height adjusting mechanism 14 or 16 secured to an E-track cargocontrol system.

Each length and height adjusting mechanism 14 or 16 can include a baseplate 28 and a pin bracket 30. As seen in FIG. 2, the base plate 28 canbe have an upward facing U-shape having left, right, and bottom sides.The base plate 28 can be one contiguous piece of material. The pinbracket 30 can have a downward facing U-shape having left, right, andtop sides. The pin bracket 30 can also be one contiguous piece ofmaterial.

The open-ended ends of the left and right sides of the pin bracket 30can be welded or otherwise affixed to the upward facing bottom side ofthe base plate 28. A hole can disposed in each of the left and rightsides of the pin bracket 30, and an elongated slot can be disposed ineach of the left and right sides of the base plate 28.

The adaptor 10 can include first and second length and height adjustingmechanisms 14 and 16 placed at opposite ends of the crossbar 12 andsecured to parallel tracks 100 and 100′ of a cargo control system. Thelength and height adjusting mechanisms 14 and 16 can aid in adjustingthe adaptor 10 for variances in the slots along the parallel tracks 100and 100′ of the cargo control system.

As best seen in FIG. 3, a rod 32 can extend through and past the holesof the pin bracket 30. First and second tie down hardware 34 and 36known by those of skill in the art, for example, an E-track clip, andE-track clip with a ring, or an E-track clip with a spring clip, can belocated near each end of the rod 32 extending through the pin bracket30. The locations of the tie down hardware 34 and 36 are adjustablealong the length of the rod 32, and a pin or clip 38 at one end of therod 32 can secure the tie down hardware 34 at the desired location alongthe length of the rod 32.

The adjustability of the tie down hardware 34 and 36 along the length ofthe rod 32 can aid in adjusting the adaptor 10 for variances in slotsalong the tracks 100 and 100′ of the cargo control system. That is, theadjustability of the tie down hardware 34 and 36 along the length of therod 32 can provide for adjustability of the adaptor 10 along the lengthof the parallel tracks 100 and 100′. For example, a slot on one track100 may not precisely align with a corresponding slot on the paralleltrack 100′. However, a user may want the adaptor 10 to be preciselyperpendicular to the tracks 100 and 100′ so that the wheel chock 110 or120 or other cargo secured to the adaptor 10 is aligned in the desiredmanner relative to the tracks.

When tracks of a cargo control system are affixed to a floor or wall ofa trailer or truck, there are often variances in the height of thetracks relative to the floor or wall. That is, the track can sitslightly above the floor, be recessed relative to the floor, or beflush-mounted with the floor. The width and height adjusting mechanisms14 and 16 can aid in adjusting the adaptor for height variances of theadaptor 10 relative to the tracks 100 and 100′ of the cargo controlsystem.

For example, in some embodiments, a cap 15 can be welded or affixed tothe end of the crossbar 12, and the cap 15 can have a centrally locatedhole disposed therein. A bolt 17 can secure one side of the base plateof a length and height adjusting mechanism 14 or 16 to crossbar 12. Forexample, the bolt 17 can secure the left side of the base plate 28 ofthe height adjusting mechanism 14 to the crossbar 12.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the left and right sides of the base plate 28can have elongated slots disposed therein. The bolt 17 can be directedfrom the inner U of the base plate 28 through the slot disposed in theside of the base plate 28 and into the hole disposed in the cap 15 onthe end of the crossbar 12. The head of the bolt 17 can remain withinthe inner U of the base plate 28.

The elongated slot disposed in the side of the base plate 28 can allowfor the vertical adjustability of the adaptor 10, and specifically thecrossbar 12, relative to the track 100′. The bolt 17 can slide in avertical direction along the length of the slot to adjust for the heightvariance in the track 100′ relative to the floor or wall. The bolt 17can adjust in the vertical direction until the horizontal second parts18″, 20″, and 22″ of the width adjusting mechanisms 18, 20, and 22 areat the appropriate height relative to the floor of the trailer or truck.

As explained above, the adaptor shown and described herein can be usedin connection with all types of cargo control systems, including E-tracksystems, A-track systems, and O-track systems: The principles of theadaptor remain the same whether used in connection with an E-tracksystem, and A-track system, an O-track system, or any other type ofcargo control system. For example, the adaptor 10 can be adjustedlength-wise, width-wise, and height-wise in the same manner as describedabove to accommodate variances in the tracks of the cargo controlsystem.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a length and height adjusting mechanism16′ of an adaptor secured to an A-track cargo control system. As seen inFIG. 7, the principles of the adaptor 10′ remain the same even whensecured to an A-track system. However, the length and height adjustingmechanism 16′ can be adapted for securing to he A-track.

For example, a rod 32′ can extend through and past the holes of the pinbracket 30′. First and second tie down hardware 34′ and 36′ can belocated near each end of the rod 32′ extending through the pin bracket30′. As seen in FIG. 7, each tie down hardware 34′ and 36′ can include afirst bracket 35 and 37 and a second bracket 35′ and 37′.

First ends of the first brackets 35 and 37 of each tie down hardware 34′and 36′ can be secured to opposing ends of the rod 32′ by, for example,pins or other hardware known by those of skill in the art. Second endsof first brackets 35 and 37 can be secured to first ends of the secondbrackets 35′ and 37′ by, for example, pins or other hardware known bythose of skill in the art. Second ends of the second brackets 35′ and37′ can then be secured to the A-track 200′ of the cargo control system.In embodiments of the present invention, the tie down hardware 34′ and36′, and/or the second brackets 35′ and 37′ can include A-track clips,A-track clips with rings, A-track clips with spring clips or any otherhardware known by those of skill in the art for securing cargo to anA-track system.

The locations of the tie down hardware 34′ and 36′, including the firstbrackets 35 and 37, can be adjustable along the length of the rod 32′ toaid in adjusting the adaptor for variances in the slots (circular and/orrectangular) along the track 200′.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations andmodifications may be effected without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation withrespect to the specific apparatus or method illustrated herein isintended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover bythe appended claims all modifications as fall within the scope of theclaims.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. An adaptor for cargo control systems comprising: atleast one width adjusting mechanism; at least one length adjustingmechanism; and at least one height adjusting mechanism, wherein thewidth adjusting mechanism, the length adjusting mechanism, and theheight adjusting mechanism adjust the adaptor width-wise, length-wise,and height-wise, respectively relative to a cargo control system. 12.The adaptor of claim 11 wherein the at least one width adjustingmechanism includes a crossbar with first and second slidably engagingbars, wherein the first slidably engaging bar slides into or out of thesecond slidably engaging bar to adjust the width of the crossbar. 13.The adaptor of claim 11 wherein the at least one width adjustingmechanism includes a first tubular part that attaches to a crossbar anda second horizontal part that extends below and perpendicular to thecrossbar, wherein the first tubular part is adjustable along the lengthof the crossbar.
 14. The adaptor of claim 11 wherein the at least onelength adjusting mechanism includes a bracket secured to an end of acrossbar and a rod extending through holes disposed in the bracket,wherein tie down hardware for securing the adaptor to a cargo controlsystem is adjustable along the length of the rod.
 15. The adaptor ofclaim 11 wherein the at least one height adjusting mechanism includes abase plate secured to an end of a crossbar with a bolt disposed in anelongated slot of the base plate, wherein the bolt adjusts verticallyalong the height of the base plate by sliding along the length of theelongated slot in the base plate.
 16. The adaptor of claim 11 furthercomprising at least two width adjusting mechanisms.
 17. The adaptor ofclaim 11 further comprising at least two length adjusting mechanisms.18. The adaptor of claim 11 further comprising at least two heightadjusting mechanisms. 19-20. (canceled)